There was a dais in front of the hotel-high enough for those on it to be visible to all of us crowded on the lawn. Tom advanced to the microphone-getting a rapturous round of applause. He held up his hands till the noise died away-then he said-this is a splendid amp; significant occasion-long anticipated- amp; marred only by the absence of one of its prime movers-who was a dear friend to me-as she was to everyone in Sandytown. Let us therefore observe a minutes silence in memory of one so tragically taken from us-Dear Daphne Denham-
You could have heard a feather drop-let alone a pin.
Then Tom marked the end of the silence by clapping his hands- amp; everyone joined in-producing an even bigger round of applause than the one that had greeted him- amp; all for Lady D. I felt the tears in my eyes-even Andy looked moved amp; poor Franny bowed his head to hide his expression.
Then Tom made his speech. Id feared he might get carried away-he can rattle on forever about the wonders of Sandytown as Ive tried to show you-but this was a masterpiece of concision-wise-witty- amp; to the point. Health was the basis of happiness-he said-Happiness was the outcome of health. Sandytown was devoted to offering both conditions to all who visited her.
A quick run though the attractions on offer-including of course the Avalon amp; all his team of alternatives-who would all be available for consultation in some ducky little tents scattered around the grounds-then-with a cry of-Be Healthy-Be Happy! — he declared the Festival open.
While all this was happening-Franny had contrived to put some distance between himself amp; Andy Dalziel-who said-he can run-but he cant hide.
I said-whats so urgent that it cant wait-on a lovely day like this?-
He said-how about the truth?-
I said-the truth about what?-
He said-dont disappoint me lass-
amp; I felt sick inside-because I wanted it all to be over- amp; Id been telling myself that any doubts I had were daft-I was a newly qualified psychologist not a copper- amp; if the pros were happy then who the hell was I to carry on worrying! Hows that for humility! But now big fat Andy Dalziel was kicking me when I was down.
He moved off-then another finger tapped me on the shoulder-by contrast with the Dalziel thud! not a tap at all-a real tentative touch-like being brushed by a falling leaf.
I guessed it was Gordon Godley-but when I turned there was this young guy standing there-clean shaven-hair cut short to his skull-smiling at me shyly.
It was the shy smile that gave him away.
I said-Jesus-is that really you-Gord?
He said-yes-sorry-I didnt mean to surprise you-
I said-no-yes-I mean I am surprised-but it suits you-really it does-
He grinned like a schoolboy- amp; I found myself grinning back.
It really did suit him-I mean-he hadnt turned into Brad or Leonardo-but he was OK-more than OK-he was pretty neat!
I said-but why-then stopped myself cos I thought-you dont want to hear the answer. Then I found myself thinking-dont be silly-why not hear the answer? — no one has ever cut off their hair amp; beard for you before girl-probably never will again-enjoy it while you can!-
— Why did you do it? — I asked.
— I hoped-well I didnt really-not hoped-but I thought-if theres the faintest chance it would make a difference Id be crazy not to do it-but Im not expecting you to say straight off if it makes a difference-not till youve got used to it-I mean Im still getting used to it myself-
I think hed have gone on talking forever if I hadnt stopped him.
I said-its fine- amp; yeah I prefer it-but that doesnt mean anything except-I prefer it!-
— step in the right direction-he said-means I dont have to wear the wig amp; the false beard!-
Hed actually made a joke! Godly Gordon had a sense of humor! For me that was a bigger step than short back amp; sides-not that I was going to tell him that!
I said-I heard about you amp; Clara-up at the Avalon-
That got him all shy again-not boy-girl shy-but this-is-real-private-stuff shy.
He said-yeah-well-you know-
I said-no I dont actually-so how does it work-
Then he looked at me straight on-not a sign of shyness- amp; said dead serious-its the spirit moving through me-I dont know how-I dont even know which spirit-all I know is I dont use it-it uses me-
I wanted to ask more-but that would have meant another step-this one from me-toward the kind of closeness that might get him to open up-
Careful girl-I admonished myself.
I said-maybe Ill give you a call-if ever I have toothache-
He said-yes-do-but I think of you anyway-I mean I hold you in the light-
I said-sorry? — amp; he said-I mean-whatever my gift can do to keep you from harm-you dont have to be present for it to work-not always-if youre being held in the light-
I said-oh- amp; is that the only way you think of me then?-
Shouldnt have said it maybe-provocative! — amp; I felt real guilty when I saw him go all red- amp; look away- amp; start stuttering-no-Im sorry-but sometimes…
I cut in quick-hey-thats fine-really-a girl likes to be held in the dark sometimes-as well as in the light! — look-shouldnt you be in your tent-curing lepers amp; stuff?-
He said-oh yes I suppose-not sure where it is-looking round like a Martian dropped on a York racecourse. So I said-lets go find it then-
We set off side by side-arms occasionally brushing against each other-sort of companiable-till we reached a little tent with a tastefully designed shingle reading-Gordon Godley-Healer-hanging by the entrance flap. No queue though-I reckon most of the guests were getting stuck into the booze amp; buffet-appetite before ailment! — in fact there was only one person by the tent-Franny Roote- amp; I reckon he was still playing hide amp; seek with Andy Dalziel.
In fact-as we reached the tent-I saw Andy heading our way. Maybe Fran saw him too-for suddenly he spun his chair round- amp; did a sort of wheelchair racing start!
Unfortunately he was right alongside a taut guy rope. One of the wheels hit it-rose up- amp; next thing the whole contraption went over- amp; poor Franny was sprawling at our feet!
Gord moved quickly. He stooped down-put both his arms round Frannys torso amp; pulled him up-while I righted the chair amp; maneuvered it so he could sink into it.
But he didnt-he just clung tight to Gord-very tight indeed-I mean like they were doing the tango! I could see his face-Frannys I mean-filled with a sort of light-eyes shining-lips moving-but no words coming out.
They stood there-locked together-neither moving-like a statue of a pair of gay lovers.
Then Franny broke Gords grip- amp; pushed him away-finally letting go his own hold on Gord-till he stood there-all alone-unsupported-unaided.
Finally he took a short step forward-then another-then a third- amp; he threw his head back amp; screamed at the sky-I can walk!-
That got everyones attention I can tell you! Suddenly no one was thinking about stuffing their faces anymore. The crowd at the buffet turned-dissolved amp; then reformed in a circle-with Franny amp; Gord at its center.
Tom appeared-took in what was happening-his face filled with delight-if hed stage managed it things couldnt have turned out better! Andy Dalziel too got into the ring-looked Fran right in the face-hard to tell what he was thinking-but before he could say anything-who should come rushing forward but Ess Denham! Never heard her say a good word to-or about-Franny Roote-but now she grabbed hold of him like he was her long lost twin- amp; hit him with a hug that made his previous embrace of Gord look like a near miss!